You’re on your honeymoon, and this is probably the sexiest country in the world. Need we say more? In Brazil, the word ‘beach’ denotes lifestyle rather than a destination. And with more than 7000km of white-sand coastline, there’s a spot for every type of traveller. The smell of salt will hit you as soon as you touch down in the pulsating hub of Rio de Janeiro. A trip to Copacabana beach is de rigueur, and you simply must spend a few hours being The Girl from Ipanema on the sandy strip made famous by this hit song. Arpoador is a slightly smaller beach but a local favourite. The picturesque beachfront restaurant Azul Marinho is famous for its pargo fish baked in salt – to be washed down with a few caipirinhas (the national cocktail).

If you hanker after a less developed stretch of shore, head north to Natal, and explore this beautiful coastline at your own pace on a beach buggy, the wind in your hair and salt spray dancing on your face. Don’t leave Natal without trying carne del sol (salted, sun-dried beef) at Tabua de Carne. There are riches offshore too. Ilha Grande, a 45-minute boat journey away, is an expanse of deserted beach, and for avid snorkellers, the volcanic island of Fernando de Noronha is a clear-oceaned haven of sea life, such as turtles. And then there’s Parque Nacional Marinho dos Abrolhos, a stunning marine park boasting luminous multi-coloured reefs. Eventually there comes a time when you’ll want to put away your bikini. Iguacu Falls is a water experience that’ll have your shutter finger working overtime. Situated on the border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, the sheer ferocity of the spectacle – taller than Niagara Falls – is heartstopping. The locals certainly think so – they regard Iguacu Falls as something of a natural monument to romance. Legend has it that a virgin girl was sacrificed here to a waiting serpent, but when a lovestruck chieftain rescued his young paramour, the furious serpent smacked his tail on the water, creating the falls and immortalising the couple’s romance. For more info: justbrazil.org

Local Flavour: TaranakiTaranaki locals love their beaches – and so do many international surfers. A road trip along the rugged Surf Highway 45 offers a welcome burst of salty-air rejuvenation to put that wedding stress well behind you. Have your togs ready at Oakura, or the picture-perfect sheltered cove of Opunake Beach – both great spots for fish and chips.